Hey All,

I'm getting reading to change my timing belt and have a few questions. First off, how long does this job usually take? I am changing water pump, pulleys, thermostat, etc. (might do my rear diff also but that's a different topic). Please give me your feedback. I am new to German cars.

Thank you!

 

took me about 3 days with two of my friends. we took our time and followed a guide. i'd recommend doing the valve cover seals and cam seals while youre in there. one of the cam seals isnt accessible until you remove the timing belt. check the spider hose and make sure its in good condition. if not either replace it with a catch can system or an upgrade/silicone spider hose(custom).

tool wise youre gonna want to pick up some torx bits and triple squared drivers. you also need a cam locking bar. ecs tuning is where i bought my timing belt kit.

this is the write up we followed:
AudiWorld Tech Articles

 

Thank You,
I already did the valve cover gaskets and my cam seals were still real solid over the summer. I have all the tools to get the Same into the "service position", but I don't have the can locking bar. Really bummed that you say 3 days cause she is my daily :/ I could rent a car maybe or buy something temporary. I am replacing all serpentine pulleys(and belt), water pump, thermostat, idler.. A lot, I'll definitely look at my cam seals again though I have some new ones lying around.

 

Timing belt to of course. *

 

it can totally be done in a day or two. we just work very slow. you can grab the cam tool at ecs. some people do it without, but only if theyre not doing the cam seals. i've done this twice now and used the cam bar and lock pin both times.

one of these is pretty handy too:
Audi B5 S4 2.7T Search SiteSearch Crank Lock Pin ES#262981 Crank Locking Pin Tool - T40026

 

Thank you,

As of right now I may try to pull it off in a solid non stop day. I will look into both of those tools(i just placed an order with ecs for a bunch of stuff anyway).

 

Should I go with a Gates Racing belt or something else? Everyone has been telling me Gates racing squeals when cold?

 

the gates belt DOES squeal when cold. people put baby powder on it, which seems to stop the squeal for a little while. i went with the regular timing belt. in reality the timing belt isnt the weak point on this car. its the tensioner for the timing belt that eventually goes bad and causes catastrophic failure.

 

I already ordered it. I might see if I can get a hold of ecs today. I got all new pulleys too though ha.

 

i got the ecs lightweight pulley kit when i did my timing belt for the first time. good purchase.